No snow is never a problem at New Hampshire Grass Drags

A freestyle rider floats through the air during the Rave X performance at the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association’s annual Grass Drags and Water Cross races in Fremont last year. (UNION LEADER FILE)

FREMONT — It’s hard to think about winter sports when the leaves are at their peak color in southern New Hampshire — unless you’re a snowmobile lover.

Snow will be on the minds of the estimated 40,000 people expected at the New Hampshire Grass Drags and Water Cross competition this weekend. The event at Brookvale Farm on Martin Road begins Friday and runs through Sunday.

Hosted by the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, the competition will feature snowmobiles racing side by side on grass and across a pond. Other events include a high-flying show by a Rave X freestyle team and snowmobiles launching off a 60-foot table-top jump.

“The more times we can get these snowmobiles in the air, the more the kids like it,” said Bob Doherty, co-chairman of the event and vice president of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association.

Professional freestyle rider Levi LaVallee will also bring his team and be available to sign autographs. LaVallee is a nine-time Winter X Games medalist and holds the world record for the longest snowmobile distance jump at 412 feet.

Antique and vintage snowmobiles will be on display as well.

Doherty said some 300 riders are planning to participate this year, including amateurs who compete Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

In addition to the races, nearly 100 vendors will be selling snowmobile gear and other equipment.

“We call it the ‘Race into Winter.’ It’s really when the snowmobile season kicks off. We just like to get everybody excited for the season and see the kids have a good time,” Doherty said.

The event also serves as the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association’s largest fundraiser of the year.